Overview

Abcam's Caspase 4 Assay Kit (Fluorometric) provides a simple and convenient means for assaying the activity of caspases that recognize the sequence LEVD. The assay is based on detection of cleavage of substrate LEVD-AFC (AFC: 7-amino-4-trifluoromethyl coumarin). LEVD-AFC emits blue light (?max = 400 nm); upon cleavage of the substrate by caspase 4 or related caspases, free AFC emits a yellow-green fluorescence (?max = 505 nm), which can be quantified using a fluorometer or a fluorecence microtiter plate reader. Visit our FAQs page for tips and troubleshooting.

Caspase 4 is a member of the cysteine-aspartic acid protease (caspase) family. It is involved in the activation cascade of caspases responsible for apoptosis execution. Caspases exist as inactive proenzymes. Activation of caspases requires proteolytic processing at conserved internal aspartic residues to generate a heterodimeric enzyme consisting of large and small subunits. Caspase 4 is able to cleave and activate its own precursor protein, as well as the caspase 1 precursor. Caspase 4 mRNA is found in most tissues examined with the exception of the brain. Highest expression is found in spleen and lung, with moderate expression in heart and liver. Low expression is observed with skeletal muscle, kidney, and testis.